At the meeting point of Switzerland, Germany and France, Basel is an eclectic mix of historic and modern, tranquil and vibrant. With Swiss cleanliness and efficiency thrown in for good measure.

Augusta Raurica on its outskirts houses a well-preserved Roman theatre, while the Old Town is a museum of medieval buildings. The Renaissance Town Hall looks down on Marktplatz’s daily market, while the red sandstone and colourful tiles of the Münster were reconstructed in the 19th century. Bringing it right up to date are the modern creations of city residents Herzog & De Meuron, designers of London’s Tate Modern.

When you’ve finished exploring this architectural heritage, there are still plenty of things to do in Basel. The city’s fine art museum is the world’s oldest art collection, and the zoo is the oldest and largest in Switzerland. Remember to bring plenty of Swiss francs for the shopping mile along Clarastrasse and Freiestrasse.

The Basel accommodation on Booking.com ranges from hotels in Grossbasel to B&Bs in Kleinbasel, home to the nightlife. If you’re flying into Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport in February or March you might just catch Fasnacht: Switzerland’s biggest carnival. You’ll have to get up early to see it start though - 4am!